Downsizing at Connecting Threads

This is a hard thing to announce, but Karen and I thought it was best that you all know what's going on. Yesterday Karen Johnson, the Connecting Threads VP, and several other staff members from other divisions of our parent company were laid off. Until now Connecting Threads has been able to resist cutbacks, but the economy finally caught up with us. I'm sure you or someone you know has been affected by this, so you know how hard it can be.

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Well, talk about shock! I was out of touch due to illness, and found out at Anna Lena retreat that Karen is now Karenthequilter. CT if you are reading this, one of the reasons I have been with your site and used your product is because of Karen! Yes, I have met some wonderful folks here and have purchased some wonderful fabrics, but, truly, would I have done either if it wasn't for Karen? Honestly? Probably not. Now don't get me wrong. I have met Judy and Lorraine, and they are truly lovely ladies, as I am sure the rest of your staff is, but really, letting go of Karen was a serious lack of judgement on your part. She was most gracious this weekend speaking of you all, I hope you find your business "smarts" and get her back.....truly, you made a huge error in judgement.....

Of all the ways they could save money and they cut Karen? Seriously? This is just nuts! For so many of us, she was the voice of CT! All the tutorials, all the posts, she was the face of CT. This just seems so ridiculous and short-sighted. This seems like such a mistake. This is just reason 3945 to hate Corporate America.

I have been real out of touch because of "life" and I would love to wish Karen well, but like many of my cyber friends, I agree that CT may not realize that Karen has been an intregal part of this QWU site. I believe Karen will land on her feet.

I can't believe this news. Does CT realize that Karen IS connecting threads to most of us? She is a friend, someone we all feel we know and that we know cares about us, not just as customers but as people. You can't buy that kind of good will, and it is certainly foolish to throw it away. Penny wise, pound foolish!!!! Surely this is not an irrevocable decision, someone in authority will come to his/her senses, and we will see Karen back as our watch-dog, mentor, encourager and friend on the staff bannerhead for QWU.

Oh My! Karen this is unbelievable...CT has made a big mistake, they are going to regret. I can't imagine anyone filling your shoes...You Will Be Missed as an advisor/teacher/inspiration etc. on This Site!!!
My opinion of CT has taken a big dive!
Thank you Karen for all your help, you were always there when someone needed you. I hope you find the next chapter in your life to be fulfilling ... Best of Luck to You.

For once in my life I am speechless!!! I am shell shocked!!! Karen you are the glue that held us all together. Watched over all of us, like a mother hen watches over her chicks. I can't imagine how you must feel. I know that your heart has to have a huge crack in it where it has been broken. Companies don't consider the humaness of their decisions, it is all about the $'s and cents. You put yourself out there 150% and get knocked in the gut. Well from all the comments below from all of us who love you so much, please know how much you are appreciated. If we all could have had a vote in this, you would never have been asked to go. For whatever reason though, this has been allowed to happen and I can only say that God has something even better in store for you!! I sure hope they gave you a good severance package and that someone very smart will realize that what CT's threw away will be their gain!!!!! And you will be richly blessed. You have blessed each and every one of us because you really care!!!!! You put your heart into every situation and always handled every situation with class. I cannot say that about everyone but I sure can about you. My heart is broken for our loss and yours as well. We love you and are here for you. God's best to you dear lady, and big hugs from all of us!! Much Love, Linda

I have just spent the last 15 minutes reading all of the comments ~ I've been out of touch for a couple of days. I am shocked to say the least! What is this company thinking? Have you ever noticed how when a large company starts feeling the pinch, the first thing they do is cut off the top layer ~ the big salaries ~ then they expect the bottom layers to pick up the slack ~ less people to do twice the work at half the salary! I was a CT customer long before QWU was launched and I have enjoyed the journey. Karen has been the LINK and now that is gone. I am so angry right now that I can't make a rational decision ~ so I'll wait some and decide whether or not to continue to support this company with my $$$. CT has lost its most valuable asset!! Karen, I wish you the best of luck in your next venture and I know with your talent you will land on your feet.